Bill challenges ex-cons' jobless benefits

OTTAWA, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- A Canadian member of Parliament has filed a bill that would revoke the rights of ex-convicts to receive double jobless benefits after their release.

Conservative MP Dick Harris filed a private member's bill that would bring ex-prisoners back in line with the rest of citizens who file for the federal benefits known as Employment Insurance, Postmedia News reported.

Citizens with the right qualifications can receive up to 52 weeks of benefits. However, under the law passed in 1959, anyone who serves less than two years in jail is eligible for 104 weeks of benefits.

At a parliamentary committee hearing in Ottawa this week, the Victims of Violence advocacy group and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation both spoke in favor of Harris' measure, the report said.

Harris told reporters he was unaware of the law until a constituent who had taken time off work for cancer treatment appealed to him for help in getting benefits after she was denied.

"Ninety-nine percent of people don't know this favored position exists" for ex-convicts, Harris said.